USDA will allow planting of modified alfalfa

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Agriculture Department is allowing widespread planting of genetically modified alfalfa, attempting to bring to a close a lengthy legal and regulatory process in which organic producers attempted to curtail the use of the modified crop.

The decision announced Thursday is a blow to the organic foods industry, which complains that modified seeds can contaminate their organic seeds through pollination. Alfalfa is primarily grown for hay.

Vilsack said the department will make other efforts to ensure that organic and other non-modified alfalfa seeds remain pure. He said the department will do additional research on preventing cross contamination of seeds and improving detection of that contamination.